Welcome to the July edition of Stenon news!
This month, we’re showcasing exciting advancements in Variable Rate Application (VRA) with enhanced functionalities developed for Central Asia and plans to release them to other markets soon. You’ll also read about the remarkable results from a recent corn case study in Brazil and the successful completion of the field phase of our calibration campaign in Greece, marking another step toward full commercial operations. Dive in to explore how precision agriculture is driving measurable impact across regions.
DE version
PT version
RUS version
In Jataí, Goiás, corn producer achieved a 7.98% yield increase on fields planted with the high-performing Pioneer 3898 hybrid—while cutting nitrogen input by 20% thanks to Stenon’s real-time soil analysis and tailored recommendations.
This optimized fertilization strategy delivered an additional US $163.61 (R$ 901.50) profit per hectare and a 17x ROI on the trial plot. If scaled across the full production area, the potential gain reaches over US $347,673 (R$ 1,915,676). Smarter nitrogen management also prevented an estimated 0.14 t/ha of CO₂e emissions, equating to a climate value of nearly US $8 (R$ 45)/ha—showing how precision agriculture can boost both profitability and sustainability. Read the full case study here.
Stenon CEO to Join German Delegation at G20 YEA Summit 2025
We’re proud to announce that Stenon’s Founder & CEO, Niels Grabbert, has been selected to join the German delegation representing the German young economy before the G20 at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance (YEA) Summit 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 15–21 September. As part of the summit, the delegation will also sign the official recommendations for the G20’s future priorities.
At this global gathering of over 400 entrepreneurs, investors, and policy-makers from across the G20, Niels will share Stenon’s deep-AgTech expertise in precision farming—showcasing how real-time soil data helps agri-producers boost productivity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect long-term soil health.
This is an important opportunity to exchange ideas, explore solutions, and strengthen sustainable food systems worldwide. We extend our thanks to Wirtschaftsjunioren Deutschland, Daniel Brugger, our talented team, and the many agricultural businesses who trust our technology.
Stenon Launches New VRA Features to Support Eurasia Group Clients in Central Asia
We’re excited to share two major product enhancements developed in close collaboration with our Central Asia partner, Eurasia Group. These updates address specific regional needs and have proven so impactful that we’re planning to roll them out to other markets, starting with Brazil and other regions.
1. VRA Optimized Heatmaps
We’ve upgraded our standard 50 m gridded heatmaps to smoothed isoline output across the entire application previously available only in the Nutrient Map and N-recommendation PDF. This new model uses advanced interpolation to generate more accurate fertilization zones, providing better visualizations and averages by reducing the impact of interpolation. In combination with the VRA feature, this delivers more precise application recommendations, ensuring optimal fertilizer use tailored to local conditions.
2. VRA Maps Directly in the Web App
Users in Central Asia can now create VRA maps instantly from the N-recommendation system. Whether for P₂O₅* or NO₃-N (with SOM included), the maps are fully editable allowing zone-by-zone adjustments, and can be downloaded as SHP files for seamless import into John Deere Operations Center. This functionality, previously unavailable in the region, enables faster, field-ready precision application workflows.
*parameter available only in DACH and Central Asia
These innovations are a great example of how our product development is driven by partner feedback and regional agronomic expertise raising the bar for precision agriculture globally.
Stenon and Agrotech Complete Calibration Campaign to Advance Precision Farming in Greece
As part of our exclusive partnership with Agrotech, the John Deere machinery dealer in Greece, we’ve reached an important milestone in our market entry. The field phase of our national calibration campaign is now complete.
Over the past weeks, our team has travelled more than 13,000 km, visited 80 fields, and collected over 1200 soil samples, alongside conducting real-time measurements with Stenon’s FarmLab devices. This extensive groundwork ensures that our technology is fully adapted to local conditions.
We’re now entering the next stage: soil samples will be analyzed in 3 laboratories in Greece and 2 in Germany. Once results are in, our Data Science team will fine-tune the models and algorithms behind FarmLab measurements to deliver the highest precision accounting for the unique soils and crops of the region.
At Stenon, data accuracy is at the heart of our technology, and all regional models are rigorously trained and tested before commercial launch. Stay tuned as we move closer to full commercial operations in Greece.
Agricultural news spanning the globe
Variable Rate Application (VRA) of nitrogen fertilizer is proving to be one of the most impactful tools in precision agriculture helping farmers apply exactly what crops need, where they need it, and when they need it. Recent studies from Greece, Brazil, and Kazakhstan provide compelling evidence of its economic, agronomic, and environmental benefits.
In central Greece, research on durum wheat production showed that a real-time VR-N system powered by UAV imagery and prescription maps cut nitrogen inputs by up to 50% compared to uniform application, without reducing yield or grain quality. The results highlight VRA’s potential to combine cost savings with sustainability gains.
In southern Brazil, trials in maize and wheat demonstrated that VRA based on vegetation indices such as NDVI achieved equal or higher grain yields than fixed-rate methods, while significantly reducing nitrogen use. The technology also improved spatial uniformity of plant nutrition, boosting both input efficiency and economic returns under diverse field conditions.
From Kazakhstan, research focusing on alkaline hydrolyzable nitrogen revealed it as a strong indicator of soil nitrogen availability, closely linked to humus content. By mapping nitrogen variability across fields and tailoring fertilizer recommendations accordingly, farmers were able to increase yields, optimize fertilizer use, and protect long-term soil fertility.
Across these regions, the message is clear: VRA is a win-win for productivity and sustainability. At Stenon, our real-time soil analysis technology is a perfect enabler for implementing VRA strategies. By providing immediate, field-specific nutrient data, we help farmers make precise, informed decisions turning the promise of VRA into a practical reality.
About Stenon
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Potsdam, Germany, Stenon GmbH is the global leader in real-time digital soil data. Our innovative device, FarmLab, provides essential soil insights to optimize yields, improve soil health, and reduce input costs. Designed for input retailers, machinery dealers, agricultural consultants, and food producers, we empower businesses to drive efficiency, sustainability, and success across the agricultural value chain.
More about Stenon at www.stenon.io